Hill End Blitz NSW

[Tony Wheeler]

Originally Posted by Bob McNeill

that's the way they had it, drive around Hill End in an ORIGINAL blitz and you will have to book into overnite stay.

No, it's not the way they had it, it's the way it finished up after some artless butcher tried to "modernize" it. This vehicle was acquired in '58 with a Ford flathead V8, which no doubt served well for many years, and would have served for many more if it had been reconditioned instead of junked. They'll pull a blitz along at 50-60 mph in good condition, which I'd suggest is fast enough for most parades!

The problem in its present configuration is that it doesn't reflect Hill End RFS history, and therefore makes no sense in their museum. Just like a T Model with a Holden red motor would make no sense in a museum. The rest of the vehicle is very original and they've done a fine job of restoring it, but it's all brought undone by that monstrosity on the front. That's why I suggested we could help find a proper motor to complete the restoration. I'm sure it would win a lot more friends if it looked and sounded like the original Hill End RFS fire truck.

As for stovebolts, I've heard a lot of criticism along the lines you mention Bob, ie. front big ends running dry if operated up steep hills for any length of time. However I've been told it's due to low oil level rather than any inherent shortcoming in the low pressure system. That makes more sense to me mechanically, and if there'd been a problem in WW2 you'd think it would have been rectified early in production. I believe the oil nozzles have to be aimed correctly too, however I don't know much about stovebolts so perhaps one of the Chev guys can comment here.